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Anatole Inner circle 1912 Posts |
The thread started by James Tong on coin ladders brought to mind an idea that's been percolating in my mind for a while: a billiard ball "ladder." Such a device could be based on the mechanics of a coin ladder, but also incorporate ideas unique to spherical balls. One idea I had would be to design one that resembles a vertical pinball machine so that as the balls are dropped into it, the ball ricochets around the device triggering flashing lights. Because of the spring feature of pinball flippers, the balls could not only drop down the ladder, but also ricochet back up the ladder. The "pinball ladder" could also be outfitted for a "jumbo pinball" production."
I seem to remember a child's toy that consisted of parallel rails set at an angle that allowed balls to roll down in a zig zag path. Or even a spiral path. ----- Amado "Sonny" Narvaez
----- Sonny Narvaez
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Levent Special user USA 801 Posts |
Hi Sonny:
Your post reminds me of a prop that was used at one time by my old friend and professional juggler Jeff Taveggia. On the top of the prop was a metal bowl with a hole in the center. Connected to the hole was a series of metal rails that zig-zagged back and forth. In his act, Jeff used to balance this 3 foot tall device on top of his head, while he juggled five balls. At certain points of the routine Jeff would throw a ball up into the air and catch it in the bowl. The ball would fall out of the hole and unto the metal rails and would zig-zag back and forth down the track, while Jeff was still juggling the other four balls. When the ball on the rails got to the bottom it would fall down onto Jeff's awaiting hands and he would add that ball back into the pattern. And then Jeff would throw another ball into the bowl and continue the process again. I remember the prop was made of welded steel and was very heavy. Eventually Jeff retired the routine from his act and I believe he donated the prop itself to a Juggling History Museum. From watching Jeff's routine, I can see two possible problems with a Billiard Ball pinball machine. First it will certainly be a big and heavy device, so you will have a lot to transport in order to support a magic trick (Billiards) that could normally be put in your pocket. Second when the ball falls in the device, it could be very distracting from the billiard magic that is taking place in your hands. That is one (of many) reasons that my pal Norm Nielsen is considered a master. When Norm does the Misers Dream he knows when the focus is on the coins in the hand and when the focus is on the coin ladder and he is careful never to avoid confusion by mixing the two elements. Just my opinion. Best regards, Levent http://www.LeventMagic.com
Levent
www.LeventMagic.com |
JamesTong Eternal Order Malaysia 11213 Posts |
I would agree with Levent on the distraction part. On the other hand the routine can be structured to work with the ball ladder.
As Levent pointed out the pin ball machine can be bulky ... in fact it can be really really bulky. There are other interesting designs that can be incorporated to make a good billiard ball ladder. I am currently playing with a few ideas now. The R & D is really costly. |
hugmagic Inner circle 7655 Posts |
Topas did a kind of ball ladder in his one routine. Conradi made a combination billard ball stand with a loop to loop track into a top hat. At the end the balls had all changed in to one large ball.
Levent is right on the money about directing action where it should be at the appropriate time. It takes a really artist such as Norm to sell the coin ladder. Otherwise, it is a distracting mechanical prop. Richard
Richard E. Hughes, Hughes Magic Inc., 352 N. Prospect St., Ravenna, OH 44266 (330)296-4023
www.hughesmagic.com email-hugmagic@raex.com Write direct as I will be turning off my PM's. |
cardone Special user 860 Posts |
I saw a pocket watch ladder in an old Abbott's catalog ... man they had a ladder for everything ....Torkova's coin act with the ladder was nice .... the ladder came into play at the right moment and did not distract from his hands and,facial expressions and his overall performance.
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hugmagic Inner circle 7655 Posts |
Nick Ruggerio has recreated the Watch stand tower. It is a work of art.
Torkova's act is another fine exsample of selling the person not the prop. Richard
Richard E. Hughes, Hughes Magic Inc., 352 N. Prospect St., Ravenna, OH 44266 (330)296-4023
www.hughesmagic.com email-hugmagic@raex.com Write direct as I will be turning off my PM's. |
Peter Pitchford Elite user Philly 423 Posts |
There was a bubble gum machine made in the form of a billiard ball ladder. So the billiard balls were large gum balls. It was very interesting and I almost invested in one a few years ago.
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DanielCoyne Special user Western Massachussetts 544 Posts |
This might be an area to look to the juggling world for inspiration. In addition to Jeff Taveggia's routine, you can look at other jugglers who do some bounce or rolling routines with silicone balls and various apparatus.
Here's a few ideas to get you thinking out of (or in) the box: Greg Kennedy's... Orthogonal Conic Hemisphere And of course, Michael Moschen's The Triangle Also, take a look at the gorgeous ball, briefcase, hat and cane manipulation of Steven Ragatz. -Daniel |
JamesTong Eternal Order Malaysia 11213 Posts |
Thanks, Daniel for those clips. Those are superb juggling skills.
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Matt101 New user 88 Posts |
Daniel these clips are really great, I like most Hemisphere. I wish I had such skills:-)
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